Hercule Studio Introduces The French Art Of Exercising Beautifully

The hardest part about exercise or any fitness regimen is getting started. Most of the time, we find that initial surge of motivation in design. A stylish activewear set from Port de Bras or Vuori ever fails to inspire an invigorating workout. Whenever I struggle to find the will do a yoga flow, spin or Pilates class, I put on my favorite pair of leggings and sports bra and I am suddenly a ball full of energy. The same theory applies for fitness spaces and equipment. Design-driven studios enhance the fitness experience. At home, my growing collection of yoga mats from Onyx, Manduka, Stakt, and (now defunct) Füro Studios turn even an express workout into a ritual of self-love and movement. in 2022, a new brand from France was launched, furthering the design conversation within the fitness space.

Founded by former elite athletes, Jérémy Arbibe and Joy Lucas, Hercule Studio was built as a “creative brand that designs exclusive sports objects.” Design, craft, creativity and artistry lie at the core of the label. “Hercule Studio represents the philosophy of exercising beautifully, the French art of moving. We wanted to take a different approach by putting beauty at the service of well-being. Our goal is to elevate sports accessories as a source of motivation and to view movement as a catalyst for overall well-being, rather than performance or competition.,” says both founders.

The product offering is primarily made up of yoga and exercise mats. Large format and rounded as well as wave-like shapes support a wide range of movements as well as sense of alignment. Comfort, mobility and stability shape the unique details of each mat. Hercule Studio also carries other accessories like comfort pads, carrying straps, and aromatic mat sanitizers. Jérémy and Joy share, “This journey required three years of research and development focused on product design, ergonomics, materials, shapes, and expertise from diverse industries as well as trend study. Each creation begins with a consumer study aimed at understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current market offerings as well as consumers’ expectations in terms of ergonomics.”

Design that engages that senses and aesthetics that motivate movement is a core pillar that informs how Hercule Studio’s products are made. Durability, sustainability, and safety are also key considerations. “We are fortunate to be based in the French Riviera, a region known for its colors, lights, unique architecture, and iconic artists such as Matisse and Picasso. This rich environment fuels our inspirations for shapes, colors, and patterns.” Hercule Studio’s Archy Terracotta Mat, for instance, draws from Pierre Cardin’s Palais Bulles. Meanwhile, the pebbled coastline of Nice was inspiration for the Galé Comfort Pad,

Only a year after launching, Hercule Studio’s exercise mat and pad was recognized by the New York Design Award. In the same year, the brand was also awarded the DNA Paris Design Award for exceptional product design under the Sport and Leisure category. “Of course, the brand initially appealed to wellness enthusiasts, design lovers, and early adopters seeking a mate that fits their lifestyle,” say Jérémy and Joy. “We also discovered a new clientele–people eager to start exercising, looking for a motivating accessory to help them get started.” Hercule Studio is currently available at Goop and SSense.

More recently, the brand has also partnered with Prada for a wellness retreat which was held at Geko Studio in the South of France. Joy expounds, “Prada’s iconic green identity was expressed through the Archy mat in Pistachio, immersing guests in the distinct worlds of both brands. Bespoke Hercule Studio mats were gifted to attendees, fostering a lasting connection between fashion and well-being.” The co-founder discloses that Prada and Hercule Studio will host more bespoke wellness events in the future. Apart from that, the brand has also begun collaborating with top tier hotels and upscale fitness studios.

The brand’s founders add that, “We are currently conducting a neuro scientific study with one of Europe’s leading life science organizations to prove that training with a Hercule Studio object enhances well-being. We are developing new innovative products to offer a truly immersive experience. We are also working on more exciting collaborations with top fashion brands and renowned artists.”